Webinar on microbes for human welfare

Jalandhar: A Microbiological Webinar series on the topic entitled “Microbes for Human Welfare” was organized by PG Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with Microbiologists Society, India, from June12- June14, 2020. 
Dr. Gurpinder Singh Samra, Principal, Lyallpur Khalsa College was the guest of honor of this webinar.Dr. Samra enlightened the audience about the usefulness of these online tools (webinar) in this lockdown period. Further, he addressed the participants and appealed to maintain social distancing in order to avoid further dissemination of virus. He also suggested taking full precautions regarding the safety measures as prescribed by Govt. and health department for a better welfare of the nation.
Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Inderjeet Kaur, Coordinator cum President of Microbiologists Society, India(Punjab State), humbly welcomed Principal Dr. Gurpinder Singh Samra, resource person andthe attendees. She introduced theguest speaker of the first lecture to the audience and thanked him for taking out his precious time for this webinar. She also discussed about the key objective of this webinar. The session started with the opening remarks by Dr. Arun Dev Sharma, Coordinator-Cum-HoD of Biotechnology Department. Following which, Dr. Deshmukh Arvind Madhavrao, President, Microbiologists Society, India presented his brainstorming talk on Biofertilizers (Microbial Inoculants)- Boon to Farmers. He discussed the Features of Biofertilizers, Types of Biofertilizers, and its advantages. He also discussed about the selection of strain, equipment and strategy required for Biofertilizer production. Sir, discussed in detail about microorganisms involved in nitrogen fixtion, plant microbe interactions, Microbial cell mass and application of Biofertilizers. The second lecture of this web series was graced by the presence of Dr. Naveen Gupta, Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh who provided precious insights on the topic Being Creative: Need of the hour (Simple ways to apply microbiology and Biotechnology for reforming environmental and Industrial processes). Very tactfully he described that Creative expression of scientific observations and principles through poetry and other media can enrich medical and science education. Dr.Gupta, discussed about the Barriers of creative Thinking, How to develop creative thinking and simpler ways to use microbiology and biotechnology for addressing issues of public concern. Talking on Fermenting microorganisms and their functional properties”, Dr. Gurvinder Singh Kocher, Vice President, Microbiologists Society, India. Senior Microbiologist &HoD of Microbiology College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, enlightened the audience with his comprehensive and informative talk on the third lecture of this webseries. He talked upon Functional properties of microorganisms, Probiotic microorganisms, probiotic foods ( Milk , Soya, vegetable based products). Mentioning the particular figures on Global food wastage, he said ¼ to 1/30 of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted and he also introduced some food spoilage preventing measures with participants. He discussed about the need of Biopreservatives, Benefits of fermenting fruits and vegetables. Interaction of the resource person with participants and answering their queries made every session very interactive and lively. 
Dr, Samra congratulated Dr. Arun Dev Sharma and Dr. Inderjeet Kaur, for organizing this event, appreciated their efforts and wish them success for their future endeavours. Dr. Inderjeet Kaur, coordinator of this eventproposed the vote of Thanks. In this webinar, a total of 342 participants registered from different states of India. Overall, the whole webinar was very illuminating and conversant.